dreaming over the ocean

No photos yet!  But, good day.  GOOD DAY! although, there were definitely moments of wondering if I was going to die.  I said to the boy that I like, post-race, it's kinda hard to determine which race is the hardest that you have ever done.  But, this one was up there.  It was hard.  I can't quite put my finger on as to why, but, the course wasn't easy, and it was hot as balls out there (well... for Vancouver).   HA!  I just looked at what the temperature was during the race:  a "blazing" 19/20 degrees C/68F...  but, i swear... it felt hotter.   It was pretty fun to race in my hometown.  sleep in my own bed, know where to park, enjoy time with friends on the day before the race.  I also got to volunteer for the race set-up on friday.  It was a lot of fun to not only be a racer, but also give back to the community as a volunteer.  Still didn't get a super great sleep... I think part of it was that I was nervou...

It is pretty amazing to think about the last few years of my life... in many ways.  I remember the day that I wrote the MCAT in the Fall of 2008, and knew on that day that my life would not be aimed towards becoming a physician.  I was a bit lost, because that is what I had thought I wanted to do for many many years.  I knew that, but, I also knew what I was passionate about:  the physical body and health care, helping people, community, and (well... africa).  The thing that I thought about being doctor, was the extreme amount of "influence" that they can have on people.... Life changing.  But, I also forgot about all the other professions that can be equally influential. through a journey that I don't necessarily need to outline again, I found nursing. And, boy, am I ever glad that I did.  Nursing has changed by life, my perspective, and makes me exceptionally excited about the career that I have ahead of me.   The last three years at McGi...

  I am about to do a shameless plug, for a GREAT cause.  Two years ago, I joined my uncle (and two cousins) on a day during his ride from Victoria to Thunder Bay to raise money for YMCA Strongkids Campaign.  here we are eating doughnut's at Tim Hortons.   Here we are, working the doughnuts off. My uncle don is our family's athletic inspiration.  He did Ironman Canada in the 80's, and has been racing triathlon ever since.  He generally enters, sometimes doesn't run (as his knees are a bit worn out now...), and had fun the whole way.  He goes to the YMCA at least 2x a day, and Tim Hortons at least once.  He is a lawyer in Mississauga, ON.  His 3 kids have done triathlons, I do triathlon, my neice used to go out and visit him every summer, and he made her do triathlons, and he has inspired my cousin Rob (the younger fellow in these photos) to do Ironman Canada this year. And he believes in the fight against childhood obesity. ...

It seems as if this is a little "out of date" now, since SO MANY things have happened in the past few weeks.  That being so, the trip was so epic, and I loved it so much, and haven't talked about about it yet.  And, I tend to suspect that there are a few people who would appreciate a post on it! --------------------- A couple months ago, when my friend Kevin Shon brought forward the idea of climbing Mt. Rainier, I was a little skeptical, and VERY excited.  Would there possibly be the chance that "fate" would work out that a number of my friends from West Virginia would have the same period of time off, that we could engage in an epic adventure?  I knew that there was a small chance.  but, small is better than no-chance.  And, to increase the chances, it would be for me to say "yes." I knew for sure it would be something I would love to do. and, it came together.  5 Friends: myself from vancouver, Sam and Gretchen from Alaska, Kevin from.... every...

with two very big events which have been amazing. first there was time on a very big mountain, with some fantastic people. Second, there was a time in montreal, that was the conclusion of my time here.  with some other fantastic people. meanwhile... I'll catch up.  Im missing training, that is for sure, but, it will pick up again.  I gotta be "Serious" if I plan on executing a few decent races in the next few weeks!

It's been a while since posting~  as I would say, because there is nothing going on.  But, truely, there have been great things happening.  Shortly after arriving back in Canada, from New Orleans,  I went right out to Tofino , for a short 3-day holiday with the Birch's.  The Birch Parent's were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, so everyone came together for a beautiful weekend! Staying at Middle Beach Lodge , we had plenty of time to sit and relax, walk on beaches, and eat nice west coast food!  I've been to Tofino once before , with my beautiful niece.  This was definitely a different trip, but, it is really nice to just be able to get out and relax.  I do think, however, that the next time that I am out there, I want to engage in a bit more "water sports."  Either do some surfing, or some kayaking, or something... one of the great things about being on the coast, is that there is so much ocean to take advantage of! As always,...

there is something to be said about memories.  I know that they change, and they fade and the morph from what actually happened.  That being said, these past two weeks have been chalked full of memories.  these past two weeks have been some of those days where you have to pinch yourself to be reminded that this actually happens in life.  There is certainly a magic about New Orleans.  That's for sure.  There is a magic about the people you meet, the food you eat, the music you listen and dance too. Sunday afternoon, Kirsten and I did something that I would never imagine that I would do... we went to a PGA Golf tournament, the " Zurich Classic. " We got all prepped up, and went to watch golf for all of about 45 minutes, then went to the post-party ;)  Kirsten had gotten free tickets, due to her connections with the high-rollers of NOLA.  I thought the whole thing was pretty funny, as people got  really into it.   lots of ooooing and ahhh...